ICEJ USA Branch Donates Ambulance to Magen David Adom
By: Marelinke van der Riet
A recent ceremony in Israel marked the dedication of a brand-new ambulance, generously donated by the ICEJ USA Branch to Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s national emergency medical, disaster, ambulance, and blood bank service. A delegation from the ICEJ attended the event, where the ambulance was officially unveiled. It will be stationed in the Upper Galilee, an area significantly impacted by the conflict in the North.
Magen David Adom, founded nearly 94 years ago, has long been the lifeblood of Israeli society, responding to medical emergencies during times of peace and war. The organization handles more than 2,000 patient cases daily, with its call center receiving over 4,000 calls on a typical day.
However, on October 7, 2023, the scale of MDA’s work reached unprecedented heights, as they fielded close to 23,000 emergency calls in just one day. This surge came in the wake of a brutal attack that left MDA personnel facing intense danger, with ambulances coming under fire from assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). Tragically, two MDA members are still being held hostage in Gaza.
Despite the overwhelming challenges, MDA’s operations have remained steadfast. The organization’s remarkable volunteer force, consisting of over 32,000 dedicated individuals, plays a pivotal role in ensuring that ambulances can reach those in need in minutes. Even more extraordinary is that 90 percent of MDA’s workforce are volunteers, many of whom balance their MDA duties with other full-time professions. The demands placed on these volunteers over the past year, particularly in the aftermath of the October 7 attacks, have been immense. MDA describes the events of that day as “the most traumatic day in the life of the organization.”
Yet throughout these trying times, MDA has received an outpouring of support from both the local Israeli community and from around the world, particularly from Christians. Yonatan, the head of MDA, shared his appreciation for this overwhelming solidarity: “The past year has been completely mind-blowing. I have never experienced that amount of support, and I’m not just talking about financial support. The moral support, the care, the interest—we are feeling it.” He further expressed his gratitude for the tremendous backing from the ICEJ and their consistent partnership in providing essential aid.
Over the past year alone, the ICEJ has donated two ambulances and two medi-cycles to MDA, boosting the organization’s ability to respond to emergencies across Israel. The latest donation—this brand-new ambulance—will help ensure MDA can continue its critical work in the Upper Galilee, an area that has faced particular hardship during the conflict with Hezbollah.
During the dedication ceremony, Anne Ayalon, President of Christian Friends of Magen David Adom, emphasized the importance of Christian support for Israel: “You put your money where your mouth is,” she said, praising the incredible commitment of those who have supported MDA and Israel in tangible, impactful ways. Barry Denison, ICEJ USA’s Director of Finance, also expressed his pride in MDA’s invaluable work, highlighting the dedication and resilience of the organization’s team.
Nicole Yoder, ICEJ Vice President of AID and Aliyah, reflected on the privilege of being able to contribute to MDA’s life-saving mission. “We are very grateful for all that you have been doing—for protecting us as well. It is a really great privilege and honor for us at the ICEJ to be able to support this important work. Not only are we grateful, but we also want to honor the fact that you have acted with such courage and resilience in the face of unbelievable tragedy and difficulty.”
Through the generosity of Christian donors, ICEJ is making a meaningful difference in Israeli’s lives. These donations, including the latest ambulance, help MDA continue its vital work, saving lives and providing aid to those in need during one of the most challenging periods in Israel’s history.
For more on this topic:
Read: “Haifa Home Team Caring for Holocaust Survivors During War” by Marelinke van der Riet.
Read: “ICEJ War Relief Aid in Israel: One Year Overview” by ICEJ Aid Team.
Watch “The Six Month War in Gaza ” by David Parsons.